What is the purpose of the ABLB test?

The ABLB test, which stands for Alternate Binaural Loudness Balance, is specifically designed to evaluate loudness recruitment in the abnormal ear. Loudness recruitment refers to an abnormal increase in perception of loudness with an increase in sound intensity, which is commonly observed in individuals with certain types of hearing loss, especially in cases of sensorineural hearing loss.

By utilizing tones presented alternately to both ears, the ABLB test helps to compare the perceived loudness of sounds in a normal ear to that in an affected ear. The results can highlight differences in how sounds are processed, which is crucial for understanding the nature of the hearing impairment and for making informed decisions about fitting hearing aids or other interventions.

The purpose of other tests included in the question differs significantly; for instance, some tests focus on overall hearing sensitivity rather than the specific issue of loudness recruitment, while others may be more concerned with speech discrimination or frequency-specific loss. Understanding the specific focus of the ABLB test emphasizes its importance in rehabilitation and fitting strategies for individuals experiencing abnormal loudness perception.